Brewers Force Decisive Game 7 in NLCS

Powered behind a four-run first inning, the Brewers took care of business on Friday evening, defeating the Dodgers, 7-2, while forcing a decisive Game 7 on Saturday evening at Miller Park.

David Freese, hitting out of the leadoff spot for Los Angeles, opened the game with a solo home run over the right-center field wall, giving the Dodgers the early lead. But the Brewers took advantage of the breaking balls that starter Hyun-Jin Ryu left hanging over the plate, putting away the game early.

With two outs in the bottom of the first, Ryan Braun coaxed a four-pitch walk from Ryu, and Jesus Aguilar promptly followed with a double to right that scored Braun, tying the game at one. Mike Moustakas later connected on a double of his own, scoring Aguilar and giving the Brewers a 3-1 lead. An Eric Kratz single eventually plated Moustakas, providing Milwaukee with a 4-1 lead at the end of the frame.

The Dodgers threatened in the top of the second inning, but left runners stranded on first and third when Freese struck out swinging to end the frame. But in the bottom of the second, the Brewers struck again when Christian Yelich and Braun hit back-to-back doubles, stretching the lead to 5-1.

Los Angeles put another run on the board in the top of the fifth when Brian Dozier scored after Freese landed a double into the alley in right-center, and chased Wade Miley from the game after Max Muncy walked. But the Brewers called on Corey Knebel early, and he escaped any additional damage by forcing Justin Turner to fly out to center, followed by a Manny Machado punchout.

Milwaukee scored another run in the bottom of the seventh inning. Aguliar doubled to right and advanced to third base on a Orlando Arcia fielder’s choice. Aguilar came in to score when a freshly inserted Yasmani Grandal couldn’t handle a Kenta Maeda slider that bounced in front of the plate.

The Brewers tacked on more insurance in the bottom of the eighth when Aguliar singled to right and plated Lorenzo Cain, just one batter after the Dodgers failed to execute an inning-ending double play.

With his two doubles, Aguliar ended up going 3-for-4 with three RBI and two runs scored for Milwaukee.

Ryu took the loss for the Dodgers. He lasted just three full innings, surrendering five earned runs on seven hits and two walks while striking out three.

Knebel registered the win after throwing 1-2/3 innings of perfect relief. Wade Miley started the game for the Brewers, but was pulled from the game with one out in the fifth after making 87 pitches.

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2 thoughts on “Brewers Force Decisive Game 7 in NLCS”

I don’t know what the official odds will be for tomorrow’s game but one has to think that the Brewers will be favored. They will have momentum plus the home fans in their favor, plus you almost have to say at this point that Chacin has pitched better than Buehler. That’s not to say that we won’t suddenly come up with our home run swings and win the game anyway, but it’s going to take a complete effort from offense and pitching to get it done. Otherwise…………………….how many days till the Winter Meetings?